Streaming Wars: Netflix body slams the competition with WWE's Raw

Netflix has inked a monumental broadcast deal with the WWE on Tuesday, marking a significant foray into the realm of sporting events The streaming giant will become the exclusive new home of the WWE's flagship program, "Raw," starting in the United States in 2025.

"Raw," a three-hour show that has been a staple on television since 1993, has played a pivotal role in catapulting wrestling stars like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, and John Cena to international fame.

The long-term agreement, with an initial term of 10 years and a staggering $5 billion price tag, positions Netflix as the sole broadcaster of "Raw" in the United States. The deal extends beyond national borders, allowing Netflix to stream WWE shows and live events globally as the rights become available.

Mark Shapiro, president of TKO, the parent company of the WWE, expressed enthusiasm about the transformative nature of the deal. "This deal is transformative. It marries the can't-miss WWE product with Netflix's extraordinary global reach and locks in significant and predictable economics for many years," he stated.

Notably, the agreement features an option for Netflix to extend the deal for an additional 10 years or opt-out after the initial five years. The $5 billion pact underscores the immense popularity of WWE as a ratings blockbuster, with "Raw" currently holding the title of the most-watched show on the NBCUniversal-owned USA network in the United States.

Source: Newsroom